Conservatives in the House of Representatives are unveiling the first of its kind Conservative Climate Caucus. The Caucus is headed up by Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) and will advance free market, limited government solutions to climate change and environmental challenges.
While still in its infancy, the Caucus has already garnered the attention of Capitol Hill, with more than 50 Congress members signing on. They include Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers; David McKinley; Bruce Westerman; Glenn Thompson; Nancy Mace; and many more.
>>>> Check out ‘The Right Voices’ on climate here!
In a release of its principles, the Caucus stated its beliefs. They include a recognition that the climate is changing due to industrial and man-made emissions. With this recognition, the Caucus has also laid out an agenda to address the changing climate through private sector innovation, investments in R&D, free market principles, and holding global polluters, such as China, accountable.
Free market principles that promote private sector innovation and competition are beneficial for the environment. In C3 Solutions’ most recent white paper, “Free Economies are Clean Economies,” we showed a strong positive correlation with economically free nations and environmental performance scores. Specifically, we found that “mostly free economies,” according to The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom, rank twice as high on Yale’s Environmental Performance Index than “mostly unfree economies.”
Check out our recent interview with Rep. John Curtis here:
Private sector innovation in the United States has led to the fracking revolution, Tesla, innovative nuclear energy, and corporate sustainability agreements. Top-down, big government approaches as seen in Venezuela and the former Soviet Union, bring environmental degradation and economic struggles.
The Conservative Climate Caucus says it will educate members on conservative climate policies, and “fight against radical progressive climate proposals that would hurt our economy, American workers, and national security.”
The creation of this Caucus marks a turning of the tide for conservatives. who have historically failed in the environmental space. The Conservative Climate Caucus represents the future of the conservative movement, one that asks tough questions and offers effective solutions to climate, energy, and environmental challenges.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
